How to Save Money With Your Household Appliances
When it comes to your household appliances, there are many things to consider when purchasing, or deciding what to invest in.
You might be looking to make aesthetic changes and consider colours and visual appeal. You may want additional functions, such as an icemaker on a fridge, or a bigger dishwasher. It is also likely, in the energy-conscious world of today that you want to save money and have a smaller impact on the environment.
We’ve already discussed the energy merits of the American fridge freezers, but with every appliance you buy there are ways to save money. It might be how you use them, the types you install or other tips, but if you’re conscious of your carbon footprint, or looking to save a bit of money in the kitchen, we might be able to help you here.
Smart Technology
The first aspect of your kitchen you could look to improve is how your appliances work for you. Smart technology is coming into fashion, with the Internet of Things allowing objects to communicate and help you in everyday life. For instance, a smart fridge will soon be able to update your phone when it is low on items such as milk or other essentials, according to the Irish Times.
More practical is the smart thermostat, which can detect the temperature in your home and adjust itself accordingly. That means using less energy when it is not needed, which could amount to a significant saving. Do be careful though; putting new appliances such as a dishwasher onto your plumbing system could place additional strain on the existing setup, so consider some form of insurance for your plumbing. The plumbing insurance comparison guide by HomeServe highlights how you can get a range of different policies for your plumbing, from simple heating to your electrics and drainage. If you are making routine changes to your home it makes sense to add some ongoing protection, so if there were complications, even unrelated to your new installation, you would be covered.
Check the Label
If you are buying a new appliance, make sure you go for something that is energy efficient. Money Supermarket reveals how an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) will tell you if you are buying an appliance that uses a lower amount of energy. This is not just something that is good for the environment; it is good for you as well. The less energy your appliances use, the less your bill is at the end of the month. Making a small outlay on a more expensive item with an EPC could save you money in the long term. Make it a habit especially, when you are planning to buy freezer or geyser.
Maintain Your Appliances
Simply maintaining your appliances and using them properly can extend their lifespan and save you money. Do not be tempted to overload a dishwasher or fridge as this can place additional strain on them and shorten the lifespan. It also leads to higher energy consumption and higher bills for you.
Do not let freezer boxes frost up and make sure you clean the condenser coils in your fridge. These often get neglected, but if they become dusty it means your fridge must work harder to cool your food, resulting once again in higher costs. The washing machine’s lifespan is something you can extend with a few simple tips; always ensure there are four inches between the back of the machine and the wall to prevent the pipes kinking. A kinked pipe is susceptible to a leak, forcing you into a replacement or incurring further damage. The Guardian suggests that one popular brand has even had trouble with fires caused by fluff build up in the past. Whilst that fault was specific to their machines, there is a risk to tumble driers that do not have the filter cleaned regularly, and if it breaks down or needs replacing, it is another cost you will have to shoulder.
